Discover the best-hidden gems in Athens, Greece, from secret neighborhoods to small cafes to unique museums. Learn about Athen’s best-kept secrets with this detailed travel guide.
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Athens, Greece is a beautiful city located in Europe and it has so much rich history. The city of Athens is known for popular ancient landmarks like the famous Acropolis and the Parthenon, but it has so much more to offer. Find out all the secret spots in Athens with this unique Athens travel guide.
In this post, you will learn about the best-hidden gems in Athens, Greece, off-the-beaten-path Athens, some best-kept secrets in Athens, unique places in Athens, non-touristy places in Athens, the best Athens local attractions, Athens travel tips, Athens must-visit hidden gems, and so much more.
Some of these wonderful hidden gems in Athens, Greece include Anafiotika Athens which is a beautiful picturesque little neighborhood. The National Observatory of Athens is the oldest research institution in Greece. You will learn about the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Agora of Athens, and more.
This post is all about the best-hidden gems in Athens, Greece.
The Best Hidden Gems of Athens, Greece
Historical And Cultural Sites Of Athens, Greece
The Temple of Olympian Zeus
The Temple of Olympian Zeus is one of the most impressive and monumental ancient structures in Athens. Zeus is an Olympian King and this temple was dedicated to him as a testament to the architectural ambition and grandeur of ancient Greece. This temple was designed to be the largest temple in Greece, even though it is partially ruined it is still admiring to look at. Originally the temple had 104 columns that were over 17 meters high. Today, there are only 15 columns left standing. This structure is located near the Acropolis and is definitely one of the best secret spots in Athens, Greece.
Ancient Agora Of Athens
The Ancient Agora of Athens is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Athens, Greece. It is located northwest of the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora is known for being the center of political and social life in ancient Athens. The Agora played a huge role in the development of the Athenian democracy. Some of the most recognized structures and monuments in the Agora include the Stoa of Attalos, Temple of Hephaestus, Tholos, Altar of the Twelve Gods, Bouleuterion, and Monument of the Eponymous. The Ancient Agora of Athens is full of history and a great place to visit off the beaten path in Athens.
Kerameikos Cemetary
Kerameikos Cemetary is an ancient cemetery with unique tombstones and is surrounded by fascinating ruins. This is a significant archaeological site in Athens and it gives you a glimpse into the ancient city’s burial customs. Some key features and monuments in Kerameikos Cemetary are the Dipylon Gate, the Street of the Tombs, the Tomb of the Lacedaemonians, the Stele of Hegeso, Pompeion, and the Museum of Kerameikos.
Kaisariani Monastery
The Kaisariani Monastery is located off of Mount Hymettus and is super close to the city of Athens. The Monastery has so much history and nature surrounding it and is a great peaceful and serene experience. Enjoy the lush greenery surrounding the Monastery, take a walk on the beautiful trails, and take in all the history this place offers.
National Observatory of Athens
The National Observatory of Athens is located on Nymphs Hill. It is one of the oldest research institutions in Greece and one of the oldest research institutions in all of Europe. Some of the best architectural features in the National Observatory of Athens include the Sinas Building, Doridis Telescope, Kouremenos Annex, and more. Some of the research and contributions that the National Observatory of Athens has made include astronomical observations, seismology, meteorology, and more. Enjoy a guided tour through the observatory to see all the artifacts and collections.
Neighborhoods and Markets – Athens Hidden Gems
Anafiotika
Anafiotika is a small little village that is located on the slopes of the Acropolis. This tiny and cute little village is picturesque and makes you feel like you are in the famous Greek Islands but in a busy city. The cute village has whitewashed houses with vibrant shutters, and narrow winding roads, and offers fantastic views of Athens. Great place to get away from the hustle of Athens and enjoy a beautiful serene atmosphere.
Avissinias Square
Avissinias Square is located in the city’s Monastiraki neighborhood. This neighborhood is a busy, vibrant, and cultural area that captures the true spirit of Athens, Greece. It is famous for its many flea markets and antique shops, especially in Avissinias Square. You can find anything and everything in these flea markets from souvenirs, collector’s items, bargain hunters items, and more. The square has been around for centuries and is still evolving and becoming more popular today. Avissinias Square is one of the great hidden gems in Athens, Greece, and is a great place to tour the flea markets, do some antique shopping, visit cafes and restaurants, and enjoy the street performers and artists.
Modern Attractions – Athens Off The Beaten Path
Monastiraki Station
Monastiraki Station is located right in the center of Athens and it is known as the transportation hub of Athens. It is also more than just a transportation hub it is a connection of the city’s rich historical heritage and modern life today. The Monastiraki Station is located between the Monastiraki Flea Market, the Ancient Ruins, and many amazing restaurants and cafes. This is a great place to visit when in Athens since it connects to everything.
Street Art And Graffiti Art in Athens Greece
Athens, Greece is known for its famous street art and graffiti art scenes. The streets of Athens are covered in tasteful colorful murals, intricate stencils, and other types of graffiti making the city and huge open-air gallery for everyone to come to see and enjoy the free urban modern culture. Graffiti street art became significant in the late 2000s during the economic crisis. During this time the public spaces became a means of expression and protest which resulted in graffiti street art. Some neighborhoods that are known for this famous street art include Exarchia, Psiri, Gazi, and Metaxourgeio. Some of the influences and themes of street art came from political and social commentary, mythology and history, and abstract and surreal. A street graffiti art tour is definitely one of the unusual things to do in Athens, Greece but it is well worth the experience.
Athens Travel Guide- Museums and Galleries
National Archaeological Museum of Athens
The National Archaeological Museum is home to one of the best and richest collections of ancient Greek art, and ancient Greek artifacts. Also houses the famous Mask of Agamemnon and the Antikythera mechanism.
The Benaki Museum
The Benaki Museum is known for showcasing the Greek culture from prehistoric times to modern times with many collections ranging from clothing to artwork, and more.
The Museum of Cycladic Art
The Museum of Cycladic Art is dedicated to the ancient culture of the Aegean and the ancient culture of Cyprus. It has many marble structures and also unique items like pottery.
Byzantine and Christian Museum
The Byzantine and Christian Museum has primarily Byzantine art and Byzantine culture. It has collections of famous icons, beautiful mosaics, many religious artifacts, and more.
Where To Stay In Athens, Greece
There are so many great places to stay in Athens. One of the best places to stay is the Electra Metropolis. This stunning hotel has the best world-class treatment and has so many great amenities for guests to enjoy. It is located in the heart of Athens and has a rooftop pool with a stunning waterfall effect, it also has another pool with a sun terrace that offers amazing views of the city. There is also a rooftop bar that offers a panoramic view of the Acropolis and has amazing food and cocktails. The rooms are modern and super comfortable. The hotel also has a fitness center and a spa and wellness center. Great luxury hotel.
Another great place to stay in Athens is the Grand Hyatt Athens. This stunning hotel has many 5-star reviews and has 4 swimming pools and 2 restaurants. Also, the hotel has a brand new spa atrium pool and a bar on the rooftop patio with one-of-a-kind views of the beautiful Acropolis. The rooms have elegant furnishings and are spectacular. There is also a fitness center and a great spa area.
Another great option for a hotel would be the NYX Esperia Palace Hotel Athens by Leonardo Hotels. Located in the center of Athens this spectacular hotel has a buffet breakfast, a restaurant with a patio, a beautiful sauna, a hot tub, a seasonal outdoor pool, a fantastic indoor pool, a beautiful fitness center, and a lounge. This hotel has some of the best views of the city and the Acropolis right from the pool and the lounging terrace. Also close to many amenities and attractions.
This post was all about the best-hidden gems in Athens, Greece.
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